Customer Reviews: Read 7 more reviews...
 excellent book October 1, 2007
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I bought this book for less than half what I could find it for in Oz. The book is written well, and assumes some knowledge in the reader's part and focuses on technique and function, rather than basic skills... however that being said there is enough to get someone started who has rudimentary skills or aptitude. There is some repetition since the book is the combination of three seperate books, but that is not a problem when reading the material.
There is excellent material on recycling, and reuse of raw and salvaged materials, and the notes concerning the manufacture of tools, with small notes concerning how their use influences their manufacture is knowledge worth having. In all, a worthwhile read/ purchase for anyone interested in the art/skill of working with steel.
 Only a so-so book September 7, 2007
0 out of 3 found this review helpful
The book does a decent job of telling someone about the basics of blacksmithing tools, set up of the shop, etc., but most of this can be obtained off the internet these days, with better illustrations to boot.
The projects are the major disappointment with this book. They seem as though they were chosen for the "Red Green Show" rather than for hobbyists. Most of us are engaged in blacksmithing to produce art these days, not because we are forced by extreme poverty into a Mother Earth News subsistance lifestyle. In this regard the title of this book is a misnomer, as a large portion of the book would have been more useful for the person of 150 years ago (in the USA), not for the modern-day suburban or semi-rural person in America. Having said this, on the other hand this book would still be useful for someone who's residing in a third-world country where everyday items such as scissors, pliers, etc are either unaffordable or unavailable. (But then in this case, you probably couldn't afford the book, anyway).
It is also lacking in "modern" conventions such as photographs, instead using drawings that are executed OK, but nothing like seeing the real thing in a photo. If you are interested in expressing yourself artistically and want to learn the basics of blacksmithing, I recommend you buy "The Backyard Blacksmith" by Sims, instead.
Very Good Book. Clear and Concise. January 10, 2006
8 out of 8 found this review helpful
This book is well written for the layman working with metal for many purposes. Covers forging, tempering, grinding, reusing old, broken, worn out, or discarded tools and material. Definately has a scrounger in mind when discussing materials. Illustrations are well done and instructions are thorough but not over-simplified.
Kevin Hagan
Decent book March 18, 2005
13 out of 19 found this review helpful
This book contains somethings that are practical, as far as forging and tempering blades for wood working, and a few other various tools. Older technical manuals such as shopwork on the farm by Mack Jones, elementary forge practice, and most other blacksmithing manuals show how that Mr. Weygers has completed certain tasks, plus the steps are more clearly defined. On one note. The anvil that Mr. Weygers made shows his ability as a smith. The only problem is that it is too small for most forging jobs, I would reccomend this book to a starting smith along with several other manuals and pamphlets. Either commonly available, or from my own personal library. Let the anvil ring call you to the shop, and be prepared for the next project. Thanx.
 Good Information but Somewhat Dated November 15, 2004
15 out of 15 found this review helpful
I think Alex Weygers is an amazing man, artist and engineer. This book has a LOT of good information on basic smithing but has a few small technical errors. The only drawback is that some of the items upon which he goes into great detail are things that most people would prefer to just buy, rather than make. However, the TECHNIQUES used to make some of these items (like a waste water pump) can be applied to other things. He is a world-class scrounger and tries to identify good sources of junk metal. However, the world has changed since he wrote this book and the composition of some of the junk auto parts he recommends has changed considerably. It is a book worth owning if you are interested in smithing.
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